🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads on your Sierra means removing the rear caliper, compressing the caliper piston, and installing the new pads with the correct hardware. Because this truck uses an electronic parking brake, you must put the rear brakes in service mode before you start.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Put the electronic parking brake in service mode before removing the caliper. This prevents damage to the motor.
• Work on level ground and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Replace rear pads in pairs on both sides.
• If the rotor is deeply grooved, cracked, or below spec, replace it too.
• You do not need to disconnect the battery for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug wrench or impact socket
• 13mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Rear pad hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• Brake grease - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the transmission in Park.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Release the parking brake.
• Put the electronic parking brake into service mode before removing the rear calipers. On many Sierra models, this is done with the parking brake switch and ignition on. Use the service mode shown in your truck if your scan tool or menu offers it.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting the truck.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear

• Use the floor jack to raise the rear of the truck by the axle or approved lift point.
• Place the truck on jack stands and give it a gentle shake to confirm it is stable.
• Remove the rear wheels with the 19mm lug wrench or impact socket.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Carefully lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Support it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger. Do not let it hang by the hose.
• Torque for caliper slide bolts on reassembly: 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs)

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware.
• Use the wire brush to clean the bracket contact points.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and let it dry.
• Clean contact points make quieter brakes.

Step 4: Inspect the rotor and caliper

• Check the rotor surface for grooves, rust ridges, or cracks.
• Spin the rotor by hand and make sure it turns smoothly.
• If the rotor is damaged, replace it before going further.

Step 5: Retract the caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to push the rear caliper piston back in.
• If the piston resists, stop and confirm the electronic parking brake is fully in service mode.
• Make sure the piston face is clean and seated all the way back in the bore.
• Go slow to avoid sealing damage.

Step 6: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the rear pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin film of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only. Do not get grease on the friction material.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket to reinstall the slide bolts.
• Torque the caliper slide bolts to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck enough so the tire touches the ground lightly.
• Use the 19mm lug wrench or impact socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque the lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel using the same steps.
• Replace pads in pairs so braking stays even.

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Take the truck out of service mode for the electronic parking brake if needed.
• Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding. If you hear it, stop and inspect the install.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$320 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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